Causes of hearing loss

There are three types of hearing loss:

  1. Conductive hearing loss
  2. Sensorineural hearing loss
  3. Mixed hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss is caused by problems in the outer or middle ear. This could include wax blockage in the ear canal, perforation of the eardrum, fluid in the middle ear space or dysfunction of the middle ear bones (ossicles). Many types of conductive hearing loss are not permanent and can be treated by medical or surgical intervention. A full hearing assessment and medical examination is needed to determine the cause of the hearing loss and plan intervention.

Sensorineural hearing loss

The most common causes of sensorineural hearing loss are genetics, aging and noise exposure. This form of hearing loss is irreversible as it results from deterioration of the nerve endings in the inner ear. The inner ear hair cells do not replace themselves and once they are lost, their function is not recovered.

Medications, diseases associated with small vessel disease, arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease are all associated with a higher incidence of sensorineural hearing loss.

Recent studies have also found persons who smoke increase their probability of having hearing loss. Finally, high levels of blood lipids and cholesterol have been associated with an increased incidence of hearing loss, possibly through the promotion of small vessel disease.

Noise induced hearing loss may be caused by a single exposure to excessive noise or from many years of being exposed to loud levels of noise. It is the only type of hearing loss that can be fully prevented –through use of adequate ear protection.

Unfortunately the majority of us will slowly develop hearing loss due to the natural aging process.

Mixed hearing loss

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, and is caused by any of the previously mentioned causes.